• THE farcical “consultations” over the impact of the road closures around Queen’s Crescent continue.

We were promised two “locally aware” agency employees and speakers of (quote) “native languages” to act as “QC champions”.

They were advertised as being on the crescent for three days a week for four hours each day – their role, apparently, to explain the system and get feedback.

Over the last seven sessions they have been present for just three hours on one occasion. Neither speaks any of the three main “native languages”.

My questions, had I been able to put them, were:

— “the cost and names of the now 10 firms of consultants who have dreamed up the scheme”;

— a “copy of the economic development plan for the area of which the scheme is a central part”, and thus its rationale; and

— “which residents with disabilities were consulted about the road closure scheme”?

From the few councillors who do respond to emails from businesses and residents, it appears they are equally kept in the dark by officers.

In less than 10 months there will be local elections; councillors should be listening and responding to residents and not officers.

A better job title for the two “QC champions” would surely be the “invisible duo”.

We were also promised a report by the councillor accompanying the “unannounced visit” to QC of senior council officers two weeks ago. This too is “invisible”.

The council officer policy of “hear no objections, see no objections and publish no objections” continues.

MICK FARRANT, NW5